Ledecka right back to winning ways in Mylin

Nov 30, 2024·Snowboard Alpine

The 2024-25 VISA FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup season launched in China as Mylin made its tour debut. The drama was on high alert from the jump with a difficult course and early season jitters.

The tricky conditions were no match for the indomitable Ester Ledecka (CZE) on the women’s side as she topped the podium. Edwin Coratti (ITA) could not be touched in the men’s bracket as he picked up the first win of the season with ease.

Ester Ledecka drops in for the win once again

Ledecka dominated on Saturday taking the fastest qualifying spot and riding the momentum all the way to the top of the podium. She also overcame a high start number in qualifications. She continues her winning streak in individual races after winning all three of her Snowboard Alpine World Cup individual starts last season.

Ledecka was laser-focused throughout the day, seemingly unfazed, displaying no emotion after each early round win. Her blazing speed was too much for the field despite the rough course.

“It feels great. It was not an easy race today. I don’t know if we looked good while we were competing because the conditions were really bumpy, but luckily it is not figure skating, so all good,” “It was difficult to race but I think we all did a very good job trying, and I hope the spectators had some fun watching,” – Ledecka said.

Ledecka now has 25 career Snowboard Alpine World Cup wins in 62 starts. The two-sport athlete will be the favourite for Sunday’s parallel slalom event in Mylin.

Ester Ledecka celebrates with local event staff // © Miha Matavz/FIS

“This is my first time in Mylin, maybe first for everyone, but it is a beautiful hill, and I am looking forward to (tomorrow). I will try my best and we will see if I am fast,” – Ledecka said.

Behind Ledecka’s dominating performance was a field full of surprises. Defending overall champion Ramona Theresia Hofmeister (GER) struggled in the first chapter of her title defense. The German qualified eighth and was ousted in the first round by Ladina Caviezel (SUI). A much different start than last season when Hofmeister claimed victory in four of the first five races.

Ledecka’s competitor in the big final was a pleasant surprise. Aleksandra Krol-Walas (POL) pulled out a stunning performance to finish second. It was the Polish rider’s fifth career World Cup podium and a stunning return after taking last season off.

Tsubaki Miki (JPN) picked up where she left off last season to complete the podium. The youngster picks up 60 points and her 11^th career World Cup podium after six podiums last season.

Jeong Haerim (KOR) had a solid day in fourth. Sabine Payer (AUT) rounded out the top five. Lucia Dalmasso (ITA) had the third-fastest qualifying time but suffered a DNF in round one.

Edwin Coratti (ITA) roars after crossing the finish line. // © Miha Matavz/FIS

Women’s Standings after Race 1 of 18

1. Ester Ledecka (CZE) – 100 points

2. Aleksandra Krol-Walas (POL) – 80 points

3. Tsubaki Miki (JPN) – 60 points

4. Jeong Haerim (KOR) – 50 points

5. Sabine Payer (AUT) – 45 points

Edwin Coratti takes down Asian upstarts

Coratti was the dominant force on the men’s side as many of his European counterparts struggled. The Italian took the top spot in qualifying and did not look back.

“It is amazing, winning the qualification and all the way into the finals, it was amazing. I am happy about the work I did, and it all worked out, I am really happy. It was really tough today, not so easy, but I liked the slope and snow conditions. It feels great to ride here,” – Coratti said.

Edwin Coratti tops podium ahead of Kim Sangkyum, left, and Lee Sangho, right. // © Miha Matavz/FIS

Coratti starts the season strong after going winless last season. It is the sixth career World Cup victory and 22^nd podium for the Italian.

Coratti was surrounded by some unexpected names from Asian nations in the semifinals. Coratti took down Kim Sangkyum (KOR) in the big final. It was the first-ever World Cup podium for Kim.

His Korean teammate Lee Sangho (KOR) started the season in good form with a third-place finish, making his 13^th individual World Cup podium. Bi Ye (CHN) showed out on home soil with a shocking run to the semifinals and a fourth-place finish. It was a career best for the 30-year-old Chinese rider in his 61^st World Cup start.

Last season the Italian and Austrian men dominated the tour. The first stop of this season brought different results for the strong teams.

Behind Coratti, the Italian men had a rough day. Aaron March (ITA), Roland Fischnaller (ITA) and Daniele Bagozza (ITA) failed to qualify for the knockout rounds. Then Maurizio Bormolini (ITA) suffered a DNF in first round.

The Austrians had bad luck as well. Defending overall champion Benjamin Karl (AUT) posted the second fastest qualifying time only to lose in the first round. Andreas Prommegger (AUT) was the top finisher on the team in seventh.

Men’s Standings after Race 1 of 18

Edwin Coratti (ITA) – 100 points
Kim Sangkyum (KOR) – 80 points
Lee Sangho (KOR) – 60 points
Bi Ye (CHN) – 50 points
Oskar Kwiatkowski (POL) – 45 points

The men and women will return to the slopes in Mylin Valley for a slalom event on Sunday. They will race in qualifying before advancing to knockout-style finals starting at 14:30 local / 07:30 CET.

QUICK LINKS:

Men’s Overall Standings

Women’s Overall Standings

Race Calendar

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